Red-spotted Newt

Red-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus v. viridescens) © David Malak

Latin Name: Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens

Size: 1 3/8 - 4 13/16 in. (Aquatic stage); 1 3/8 - 3 3/8 in.(Terrestrial stage)

Facts:

• They can have up to 21 red spots variable in quantity and location
• Aquatic adults normally olive-green but vary from a dark mustard to greenish brown
• Terrestrial stage color varies from bright orange to red-orange
• Secretes through their skin gland making them distasteful to preditors
• Ponds, lakes, ditches and lazy streams are the best places to find adults
• Efts are found on the forest floor under rocks, logs and leaf litter